Dayton’s First Fashion Design School – Coming 2026

 Where creativity meets innovation, the Edessa School of Fashion and (DE-FI) Global INC are transforming Dayton into a Midwest epicenter for fashion design, sustainability, and technical excellence. Together, we are re(DE-FI)ng how fashion is taught, made, and lived. In 2026, (DE-FI)  will partner with the Edessa to launch Dayton’s first accredited fashion design school, a bold move that will elevate the region’s creative identity and economic potential. This collaboration will position Dayton as a Midwest hub for fashion education, innovation, and sustainable production.

The global apparel market is currently valued at USD 1.77 trillion (2024) and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% through 2030. 

Meanwhile, the fashion technology sector is expanding rapidly: it's expected to reach USD 376.64 billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 6.1% over that period. 

In the U.S., the fashion technology market is forecasted to grow at 4.4% annually from 2025 to 2030. 

Even core tools in our field are booming: the fashion design and production software market is expected to hit USD 6.3 billion by 2034, growing at 9.1% CAGR. 

These figures show: fashion is not fading, it's evolving. The future is rooted in technology, sustainability, and local production.

 Why Dayton, Why Now

Dayton already has vital pieces of the foundation needed to succeed in this new era.

The University of Dayton leads Ohio (and ranks second nationally) in sponsored materials research, with expertise in advanced textiles and composites. 

Local institutions like Cedarville University and Clark State support complementary sectors in agriculture and biosciences, aligning with (DE-FI)’s Farm to Fashion and STEM Atelier efforts.

In manufacturing, Dayton is not starting from zero. Companies like LION, Cintas, and the region’s history of uniform and industrial textile production provide know-how, capacity, and infrastructure. The intersection of Interstates 70 and 75 offers logistical advantage for regional distribution.

Recent shifts in the industry support this local-first strategy. Nearly 45% of U.S. fashion brands now plan or already use domestic manufacturing as part of a reshoring trend. 

Additionally, U.S. apparel and textile imports are diversifying away from China, suggesting opportunities for domestic supply chains. 

In short: Dayton already makes what people wear. Combined with creative energy and technical capacity, it can design it too.

What We’re Building

This school is built to be more than a credentialing program. It is a creative and technical ecosystem that integrates:

• Studio-based design curriculum combining artistry with technical mastery
• Sustainability built in, via our Farm to Fashion network of growers and textile makers
• STEM-driven innovation, with the STEM Atelier linking engineering, wearable tech, and new materials
• Industry-informed teaching, from designers, technologists, and entrepreneurs
• Career pathways, including mentorship, micro-production labs, and connection to our Threads network

This is not a one-size program. It is shaped for creators, engineers, and innovators seeking to build new models of fashion.

Sustainability at the Core

Feedback that we received from Steven Kolb, CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) emphasizes that fashion institutions must champion ethics, environment, and social impact. The Edessa School of Fashion in Dayton will reflect these values in curriculum, operations, and partnerships demonstrating that sustainability and profitability can coexist.

What This Means for Dayton

This effort is a pivotal shift for Dayton’s future.  By bringing Edessa to Dayton, we will:

1. Retain and attract talent, giving students local access instead of losing them to other cities
2. Generate new jobs and businesses, from design studios to fabric sourcing, branding, and manufacturing
3. Rebrand Dayton as the Midwest’s technical fashion capital, bridging creative and industrial strengths
4. Create circular linkages connecting agriculture, materials science, artistry, and enterprise
5. Fuel the local economy through education, creative infrastructure, and industry growth

This school is not just education. It is a transformative engine for identity, opportunity, and community.

How You Can Support

We are building a committed coalition of founding partners, advisors, collaborators, and financial champions who believe in an equitable, industry-aligned, community-rooted fashion infrastructure.

Your support will power:

1. Studio, classroom, and lab renovation
2. Industry-standard tools and technology
3. Scholarships and tuition support for learners
4. Recruitment of expert faculty and staff
5. Creation of a scalable, replicable model

Join Us in Shaping the Future

We are forming a founding advisory board and initiating information sessions to connect with civic leaders, funders, institutions, and industry stakeholders ready to help launch this vision.

This moment is rare. Dayton has the chance to lead, not follow.  Let’s build fashion education not just for tomorrow but for generations to come. Right here, in Dayton, Ohio.